One Foundation Working On Hawai’i’s Climate for Over a Decade

When Blue Planet Foundation was first founded in Hawaii in 2008, executive director Francois Rogers says, “Nobody was talking about renewables at the time…2008 was a nonstarter. No one wanted to talk about it. We were crazy people.” Much has changed since then. Instead of fighting to get companies to listen, he says, “People are making wiser choices…We’re getting there…We have to keep our eye on the ball. Keep going. That’s our work with Sierra Club and Earth Justice. We cannot do this alone.”

Part of their mission includes working together on policy change, informing and equipping local Hawaii residents with clean energy resources.

Tackling these hurdles isn’t an easy task especially in the highly divisive and volatile political environment we live in today when Executive Orders are rapidly removing safeguards that protect our land and forests. It’s ambitious to say the least, but Rogers says it’s part of our kuleana or responsibility to take care of the land for future generations. Moreover, non-renewable resources like oil is part of our past when he says, there is “abundant solar wind and genothermal to power the entire island.” 

One of the things that Rogers has learned over the almost two decades that they’ve been in existence is the importance of working together. 

“If you keep working in silos you won’t achieve much. When we do a community rally or do a bill pass, we reach out to our known allies out there that’s how we make things happen. In order to get buy in and support of community and stakeholders, we have to have a bottom up approach. Both ways, while top down decisions are being made, we need to get the community involved, airlines, kids, workforce, community as a whole. Hawaii as one piece has to work…We have to have the will and determination to move forward.”

Many countries look to Hawaii as a model for climate solutions. “Generally speaking we have a mentality, we have to respect preserve and save here and there whether it be food or electricity and our environment.” Taking care of one another is key when we live on an island where everyone is vulnerable to climate change. It’s the reason why the fifth graders he visits know about air and water pollution and why Hawaii as a whole has significant beach clean ups and coral reef restoration compared to other parts of the United States.

While there continues to be a lot of work to do under this new administration, and a lot is happening right not politically, Rogers says there is hope. If you are feeling helpless right now, here’s what you can do. Small efforts add up. Please let us know in the comments what you commit to doing this year. 

You can help by doing the following:

1. Change out your lightbulbs.
2. Replace water heater.
3. Get more efficient appliances.
4. Become more energy efficient around your home.
5. Drive less.
6. Eat better.
7. Support nonprofits like Blue Planet through volunteerism or donation.

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